Shure SM7dB
our rating
4.9
(out of 5)
Specs
- Frequency Response – 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Polar Patterns – Cardioid
- Sensitivity – Bypass Mode: –59 dBV/Pa (1.12 mV), 18 dB Gain: –41 dBV/Pa (8.91 mV), 28 dB Gain: –31 dBV/Pa (28.2 mV)
- Self-noise – Equivalent Input Noise (A-weighted): –130 dBV
- Max SPL– 180 dB
- Impedance – Bypass Mode: 150 Ω, Preamp Mode: 27 Ω
- Weight – 837 g
- Attenuation Pad – none
- Onboard Filter – High-pass Filter (below 400 Hz), Presence-boost ( 3 dB from 2k-4kHz)
Pros
- Same iconic broadcast sound
- Warm, flattering sound on almost everything
- Good for recording in untreated environments
- Built-in preamp gives clean gain and a simpler setup
Cons
- Heavy – needs a solid stand
- Not ideal if you want an honest, accurate mic
Bottom Line:
An enhanced version of the iconic SM7B microphone with a built-in preamp that delivers the same quality results as the original.
Check Price:
Introducing the Shure SM7dB
The Shure SM7B is a legend in the microphone world, outlasting trends and technologies to remain a go-to choice for professionals in broadcasting, studios, and, more recently, podcasting and live streaming.
Despite its half-century lifespan, its popularity has soared in the digital era, cementing its status as an icon in content creation. To celebrate this milestone, Shure has introduced the SM7dB, a fresh take on the classic design, featuring a built-in active preamp to address one of the SM7B’s most common challenges: low sensitivity.
The SM7B is loved for its warm, iconic sound, but its lower output makes it particularly gain-hungry. This quirk, resulting from design choices prioritizing sound quality over sensitivity, has historically required users to invest in inline preamps like the Cloudlifter.
We tested this beauty to see if the new engineering has altered the original sound we so love.
Who is this mic for?
The SM7dB is for professional recordists of all types. Its iconic sound can be used for a wide variety of studio applications and is especially great for spoken word or sung vocals.
Because the SM7dB is a dynamic mic, it has excellent unwanted noise rejection. For this reason, the mic is also great for recording in untreated spaces.
Recommended Applications
The Shure SM7dB is recommended for the following applications:
- Sung vocals
- Podcasting, Broadcasting, Voice-over, Streaming
- Kick drums
- Brass, woodwinds
- Guitar amps
- Bass amps
Alternatives to the Shure SM7dB
A multi-purpose microphone with unique characteristics. Its large sweet spot, minimal proximity effect, and excellent detail, combine for a very natural sound.
Check Price:
Sennheiser MD 421 II
Great for spoken word, sung vocals, snares, toms, woodwinds, brass – this anonymous-looking beast is a classic, all-purpose mic. Like a fuller, more detailed SM57.
Check Price:
Who is this mic NOT for?
The Shure SM7dB is not recommended for the following applications:
- Recording ensembles, or the ambient sound of a room.
- Applications that require the lush detail and high sensitivity of a condenser mic.
- Applications that require polar patterns other than cardioid.
- Field recording. For field recording, we would recommend the Shure MV88.
Check out our gear category page for more on studio microphones and audio gear.
What’s in the box?
The Shure SM7dB box arrived with the following:
- SM7dB Microphone: The main dynamic vocal microphone with a built-in preamp.
- Windscreen: A detachable windscreen designed to reduce plosive sounds during close-up vocal recordings.
- 3/8-Inch Thread Adapter: Allows for compatibility with various microphone stands and mounting hardware.
Build / Design
Materials and Construction
The SM7dB mic is built to last, just like the original. The body is a mix of black enamel, aluminum, and steel, giving it a premium, bulletproof feel. The grille is also made of steel, providing ample protection for the internal components.
At the heart of the SM7dB is the Unidyne III capsule, which is responsible for the microphone’s natural and warm sound.
Give ‘Em What They Want: Integrated Preamp
The key difference between the SM7B and the SM7dB is the integrated preamp. The original SM7B (no “d”) is gain-hungry, requiring about 60 dB of gain from your audio interface.
If you’re maxing out the gain on a low-budget interface, you’re unlikely to get the best sound from the SM7B. For this reason, especially with cheaper interfaces, I always recommend using a Cloudlifter.
The folks at Shure apparently got tired of people like me saying this. As a result, Shure collaborated with Cloud Microphones to create the SM7dB, the latest iteration in the SM7 line. It features an integrated preamp with selectable gain levels of 18 dB or 28 dB.
In our tests, this provided enough gain, even when paired with weak preamps. Note that, unlike most dynamic mics, the SM7dB requires phantom power to operate its built-in preamp.
For kick drums, bass amps, or anything loud, you can simply bypass the preamp.
Improved Onboard Switches
Speaking of switches, the SM7dB retains the familiar EQ controls from the SM7B. There’s a bass roll-off and a presence boost, allowing you to tailor the sound to suit your voice or recording environment. If you want to cut out low-end rumble or add a bit of sparkle to your vocals, it’s easy.
I like the new switch design—they’re easier to use compared to the original switches, which required a screwdriver or even a kitchen knife.
Shockmount and Pop Filter
One of the reasons this mic is popular with podcasters, content creators, and even gamers is its versatility in non-studio environments. A key part of that versatility is the internal shockmount.
The SM7dB retains the original’s “air suspension” system, which effectively isolates the mic from mechanical noise. Whether you’re typing or moving around while recording, it won’t pick up those sounds.
It also includes a built-in pop filter that does an excellent job of taming plosives.
Weight and Mounting
The only drawback of this mic is its weight. What was already a heavy microphone has now become heavier—about 837 grams, to be exact.
It’s manageable, but make sure you have a sturdy stand or boom arm. (Both affordable and solid options are available.) The yoke mounting system makes positioning straightforward, and it stays firmly in place once adjusted.
History of This Iconic Mic
The Shure SM7dB is the latest chapter in the storied lineage of microphones that traces back to the legendary SM58, first released in 1966. The SM58’s durable design and reliable sound established Shure as a leading brand, paving the way for innovations like the SM5—a model specifically designed for broadcast applications. With its large size and flat frequency response, the SM5 laid the foundation for the SM7 series, which focuses on natural vocal reproduction.
The original SM7 expanded on the SM5’s design, introducing a more compact build and improved versatility, making it a favorite in both studio and broadcast settings. Later, the SM7B refined the formula by adding better electromagnetic shielding and enhancing usability for modern recording needs.
Each iteration has upheld the same core design ethos: a durable, high-quality microphone with a warm, natural sound. The SM7dB takes this legacy a step further by integrating a high-gain preamp, making it even more accessible to creators using standard audio interfaces.
Shure SM7dB Tests – Audio Clips
We used a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Interface recorded with Logic Pro X. There is no EQ or compression applied to any of the audio clips here. For these clips, we set the SM7dB preamp at +28dB and adjusted the gain from the audio interface to taste. As a reminder, we test everything on this site ourselves.
We include the results from spoken word tests, sung vocals, and acoustic instruments here as they reveal the subtleties of the mics most clearly.
We acknowledge that there is not one way to use a microphone. Mic placement, how you play or sing, not to mention EQ, compression, Impedance, and preamp settings can all have dramatic effects on the final result.
Spoken Vocals Tests
Shure SM7dB
Sung Vocals Test
Shure SM7dB
Acoustic Guitar Test
Shure SM7dB
Conclusions about the sound: Shure SM7dB
The Shure SM7dB provides the same iconic sound as the original SM7B. It’s a beautiful microphone with its own unique sound signature. Just like the SM7B, it won’t necessarily give you honest, accurate results but rather a warmer, fuller version of reality.
Less Detail is Sometimes Good
As a vocal mic, you’re getting a full, warm sound with less detail than a condenser mic. It has a way of cutting out the details on vocals that you don’t want to hear. There’s less mouth noise, breathing is dialed down, and anything strident or shrill in the treble is non-existent.
Proximity Effect
The pronounced proximity effect of this mic is part of its charm. It gives a ‘broadcasty’ bass lift to any speaking voice and warms up thinner, higher singing voices. The built-in bass roll-off switch allows users to manage this effect according to their preference.
Noise Rejection
The mic rejects neighboring noise well and, for that reason, is great for home studio recordists without a treated space. In our tests, the side rejection is okay, and the rear rejection was very good. The internal shielding on the mic also does a good job at minimizing monitor noise or other electromagnetic interference.
Excellent Handling of Plosives and Sibilance
You can hear in our tests above how well it handles plosive sounds (such as “p” and “b” consonants) and sibilance (“s” sounds). The pop filter and overall response make this mic ideal for spoken word.
Versatile?
I wouldn’t describe this mic as versatile. It is a studio vocal mic, for spoken word and sung vocals. That said, as a dynamic mic, it handles loud sounds very well. It works well as a warm kick drum mic or on loud bass and guitar amps.
It also works well if you’re looking for that rosy, SM7B, dynamic mic color on acoustic instruments. The results are not accurate or detailed, but they have their own kind of charm. (Hear our acoustic guitar test above.)
Shure SM7dB Frequency Response Diagram
Final Thoughts: Is the Shure SM7dB Worth It?
The main question we had was: Is there any difference in the sound of the SM7B and the new SM7dB? The answer is, thankfully, no. Now it’s just an easier mic to set up.
In fact, this mic has made our Top 10 Mics for Recording Vocals list.
The built-in preamp means you can use this with any audio interface without the need for a Cloudlifter. The new model is not just marketing; it’s a significant, practical upgrade to the SM7B line.
For broadcasting, podcasting, and streaming, this is an ideal mic. The Electro-Voice RE20 (See our comparison of the RE20 and SM7B) is about on par with this if you want something a bit more honest sounding, or the MV7 is a good budget alternative.
If you’re in need of more detail, there’s no lack of good condenser mics out there that would serve you well in this regard. Check out our Best Condenser Mics post for more info.
That said, if you’re looking for a studio vocal mic, you won’t be disappointed with the SM7dB.
Shure SM7dB
Check Price:
Questions or Comments?
Join the discussion here on Facebook.
FAQ
Does the Shure SM7dB require phantom power?
Yes, the Shure SM7dB requires phantom power to operate the built-in preamp. Most audio interfaces provide phantom power, so it works seamlessly in typical setups.
Is the Shure SM7dB suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Shure SM7dB is beginner-friendly thanks to its built-in preamp, which eliminates the need for external gain boosters like the Cloudlifter. This simplifies the setup process, making it accessible for users with little technical experience.
How Do dynamic Microphones Work?
Dynamic microphones operate through a process called magnetic induction.
Inside a dynamic mic’s capsule, there are three key components: a thin metal diaphragm, a coil, and a magnet. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it begins to vibrate, causing the coil to move as well. This movement of the coil within the magnetic field converts the sound waves into electrical signals.
For a deeper dive on how dynamic microphones work, see our guide 3 Types of Microphones and How They Work.
